Change of counter-subversive strategy in Ucayali
In 1991, the Peruvian Navy changed its counter-subversive strategy in Ucayali, abandoning indiscriminate repressive tactics to focus on gaining the support of the civilian population through civic actions, better treatment and effective intelligence work. This change significantly improved the image of the armed forces in the emergency zones.
In 1991, the armed forces, particularly the Peruvian Navy, implemented a significant change in their counter-subversive strategy in Ucayali. This new strategy was based on winning over the social base of the PCP-SL through civic actions that demonstrated to the civilian population that the armed forces respected the lives of the people and participated actively in the development of the populations. The change reversed the negative image that the population had of the way the armed forces acted, eliminating surprise military operations and the forcing of the population to inform on Shining Path commanders. Instead, emphasis was placed on better treatment of the civilian population and effective intelligence work to detect Shining Path commanders, in addition to encouraging the formation of Self-Defense Committees (CAD's) in different villages.